Using Two 18 Inch # HE18 Hitch Extenders to Launch and Retrieve Sailboat

Updated 01/24/2015 | Published 01/23/2015

Question:

Hello, I would like to know if I could use two hitch extenders together 18inch each on the back of my new Tacoma pick-up to back my 19foot Oday sailboat from the parking lot to the boat launch to the boat in and out of the water. The travel distance is about 200 feet at slow speed on paved surface with an incline to the water for the last 75 feet.. I am trying to keep my truck out of the sea water. I already have one extender which works fine, but doesnt reach far enough. I wouldnt use the two hitches together on the road at all, only use it after I raise the sail to put the boat in or take out. thank you, Steve

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

The answer to your question will depend a lot on how much the tongue weight of the boat/trailer is.

Using more than one extender is not something we recommend, because using one will lower the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by half. Adding another extender will bring the tongue load out to 3 feet rearward of the point where the first extender pins into the receiver, and at that point there would be an unknown amount of leverage applied to your hitch, and I couldn't say what the tongue weight capacity (if any) your hitch would have at that point.

If the tongue weight of your boat and trailer is below half the tongue weight capacity of your hitch (see the sticker on the hitch), you'll likely be okay for short distances on a boat ramp at low speeds with no bumps, however please understand that you are assuming all risk and we cannot offer any guarantees that this won't damage your hitch or vehicle.

expert reply by: Mike L